Substance Abusing Nurses

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the serious and often underreported problem of substance abuse in the nursing sector. The writer explains that a stressful workplace, ease of access to drugs, and the enabling attitude of coworkers all contribute to the development of drug abuse. Besides hurting themselves, substance abusing nurses also pose a serious threat to the life of the patients under their care. The writer suggests that nursing managers should promote a safe and open organizational culture to permit early recognition and intervention for the problem. The writer concludes that substance abuse related training should be integrated into the main curriculum of nursing education.

Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Substance Abuse Main Factors
Recognizing Addiction
Intervention
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Drug addiction is a serious problem in our society. Addiction among nurses who are one of the main pillars of health care delivery is an even more dangerous and largely ignored problem. Statistics show that substance abuse rate among nurses is as high as in the general population. It is estimated that 10% of the nursing population are substance abusers. Recent statistics from the ANA indicate that 6 to 8% of nurses abuse drugs to such an extent that it interferes with their professional ability."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Debra Dunn (Nov 2005), 'Substance Abuse Among Nurses-intercession and Intervention', AORN Journal
• Nurses Association of New Brunswick, (May 2003), 'The recognition and management of Substance abuse in the Nursing Profession', retrieved April 14th 2008, from http://www.nanb.nb.ca/pdf_e/Publications/General_Publications/TheRecognitionandManagementofSubstanceAbuseintheNursingProfessionE.pdf
• Patricia Maher-Brisen MSN, APRN, BC, (August 2007) 'Addiction: An Occupational Hazard in Nursing', Volume 107 Number 8, Pages 78 - 79, AJN, American Journal of Nursing
• Debra Dunn, (Oct 2005), 'Substance Abuse among Nurses - Defining the Issue', AORN Journal

More papers on Substance Abusing Nurses:

• Term Paper # 46558 : "Nurses and Substance Abuse"
• Term Paper # 111443 : "Substance Abuse and Nursing"
• Term Paper # 138670 : "Substance Abuse Amongst Nurses"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: